Mid-April freeze affects county crops

Recent freezing temperatures leave Whitman County crops vulnerable, but as time passes crops are expected to make a healthy recovery.

COLFAX – During the week of April 12, temperatures across the Palouse dipped below freezing, with some areas recording temperature in the nine to 12 degree range. These freezing conditions have impacted spring plantings and crops in the county and beyond.

"We've seen significant injury in our county. We've had temperatures in the nine to 12-degree range and each morning is still below freezing or close to it," said Whitman County Extension Agent Steve Van Vleet. "These freezing conditions have affected the wheat, some winter wheat out there looks very flat, compared to where it was."